They tugged away desperately, but suddenly a piercing shriek startled them, and they knew that Braithwaite was fighting for life in the water.
Dick groaned, and pulled till it seemed as if his arms must come out.
"They'll both be lost!" he cried, knowing well that Jim would not hesitate a second in jumping to the rescue.
"There are some men on the shore," said Spencer; "they're getting out another boat."
"Too late!" muttered Dick gloomily. "Listen! There's Jim calling for help. Shout back. Now again, and all together."
The sweat poured down their faces, their muscles ached terribly, their throats were dry and parched, but they pulled on without a second's pause.
Again the cry for help rang out, this time much nearer, and soon they discerned a dark object in the water.
"Keep her steady!" roared Spencer. "Grab the other fellow, Dick!" And he himself caught Jim, and pulled him up so that he partly rested on the gunwale.
The whole manoeuvre was full of danger, but they were taking risks that night. By degrees, Spencer, who was fortunately strong as a horse, managed to pull Jim into the boat, and then helped to drag in Braithwaite, who displayed no sign of life.
"Let's put our coats over them, and that dry sail in the corner," said Dick. "Now, a pull for the shore. Keep her head straight, Tommy!"